Environmental Trends 2007

Air Quality

Environment Canada is investing in new monitoring instruments and establishing new monitoring sites.
The National Pollutant Release Inventory tracks emissions of particulate matter and other air pollutants.
The federal government has established higher engine and fuel standards for diesel engines.

Provincial legislation limits open burning, regulates vehicle and fuel quality, sets emission limits for some industrial sources and has required the phase-out of beehive burners by the end of 2007.
Over three years, $13.5 million have been allocated to clean air initiatives led by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with industry, communities and other levels of government.
A Diesel Retrofit Program announced June 2007 will make the use of clean emission technology mandatory in older commercial diesel vehicles. This should reduce particulate matter emission by up to 60 tonnes per year.

The Clean Air Toolkit helps local governments develop emission reduction programs in their community.

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). The website shows air quality conditions on a scale of one to ten in terms of the risks to health. It provides specific health messages for people most at risk. In 2008 the AQHI for all monitoring locations in B.C. and others across Canada will be provided through an Environment Canada web site.

Provincial Woodstove Exchange Program (announced November 2007): After a successful pilot program, the province is investing $1,000,000 over three years to help homeowners replace older woodstoves with new, cleaner burning models. Some municipalities (e.g., Houston, Smithers and the Village of Burns Lake) have also enacted bylaws that requires residents to replace their non-certified woodstoves.

Air Quality Plans: Local air quality plans are voluntary and take into account different types of pollutants and sources in each region. As of July 2007, 11 communities and regional districts in B.C. had air quality management plans and two more were in the process of development.

AirCare® and AirCare OnRoad (for heavy duty vehicles) are vehicle inspection and maintenance programs aimed at reducing air polluting emissions. Together, it is estimated they have reduced emissions by 5 per cent. AirCare is now managed by TransLink.

Reducing the amount of fuel burned reduces the emission of air pollutants:

Replace older wood stoves with EPA/CSA-certified wood burning appliances. Keep smoke emissions low by burning only dry, well-seasoned wood in moderately hot fires.

Purchase fuel efficient cars, use public transportation, bicycle or walk to reduce the amount of fuel burned.

Avoid unnecessary vehicle idling and keep vehicles tuned correctly to avoid excessive tailpipe emissions.

Use manual or electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and weed trimmers, instead of gas-powered models.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].